Porter Art Appraisal

"Dog on Steps at the Shore" by Fairfield Porter

This item is a framed print or reproduction of a painting by Fairfield Porter, titled "Dog on Steps at the Shore." The artwork depicts a domestic scene with a black and white dog, possibly a Jack Russell Terrier or similar breed, poised on a set of light grey outdoor steps that lead away from a white-walled house. The dog is captured mid-movement, appearing to leap or descend the steps. The house features multiple windows with dark grey or blue shutters providing contrast against the light facade. Beyond the house and steps, a body of water, likely a bay or harbor, is visible with several small white boats scattered across its surface. In the distance, undulating landmasses or islands can be seen, rendered in muted greens and browns, under a cloudy, overcast sky portrayed with various shades of grey and white. The colors used are generally subdued, reflecting a cool, perhaps New England, coastal atmosphere, typical of Porter's style. The print is housed within a simple, light-colored wooden frame, possibly oak or a similar hardwood, with a visible grain. It is matted with a wide, off-white or cream-colored matboard, which provides a border between the artwork and the frame. No specific artist's signature or print edition numbering is visible in the provided image. The overall condition appears good, with no obvious signs of damage to the visible artwork or frame, although precise condition issues cannot be fully assessed without closer inspection. The style is distinctly representative of mid-20th century American Realism, with an impressionistic quality in its brushwork and lighting, characteristic of Fairfield Porter's genre scenes and landscapes.